Heading into the offseason Anthony Rendon undeniably was considered the top position player available in free agency, and specifically at third base. Josh Donaldson is the next prominent player at that position who also is on the open market.
Beyond the two, trade candidates include Kris Bryant. However, while the Chicago Cubs are open to dealing one of their franchise cornerstones, a ruling on Bryant’s grievance over his service time and impending free agency, complicates matters.
Although not a third baseman, the Dodgers and Cleveland Indians reportedly are discussing a potential Francisco Lindor trade once more. Meanwhile, a new entrant appears to be Nolan Arenado.
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Colorado Rockies are willing to listen to trade proposals for Arenado:
Rockies are willing to listen to trade inquiries on superstar 3B Nolan Arenado (and anyone else); they’ve gotten many calls on him since trade deadline. Would shake up monster 3B market (Rendon, Donaldson, Bryant) but no one sees as likely yet. Has full no-trade so up to him.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 11, 2019
Publicly, the Rockies have maintained they don’t have any interest in dealing the 28-year-old.
“I would say not very serious,” manager Bud Black said of the Rockies fielding inquiries. “I think it’s common practice, especially here in the Winter Meetings or even during the course of the year.
“I’ve been around long enough to know when you’re talking about great players, right, GMs will talk to each other and say, ‘Hey, if you’re ever thinking about doing anything with so and so, we’re in line. Give us a call.’ I think that’s sorta what’s happened here.
“This venue is a natural place for a lot of baseball talk and rumors, for lack of a better word. There is a lot of creativity amongst general managers in this day and age and names are bandied about because we’re all in this environment together.”
Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million contract extension this past February. His deal includes the option to opt out after the 2021 season and a full no-trade clause. Arenado spoke positively about his future with the Rockies but during the year expressed some frustration.
Furthermore, Rockies owner Dick Monfort indicated the club is unlikely to make any financial commitments this winter. That figures to place further strain on a team that went 71-91 this past season and finished in fourth place in the National League West.
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